Article/Photo courtesy Brandy Hollis

Fillmore Women’s Service Club’s Susan Banks Memorial Fundraiser was a huge success. An extra special thanks to Heather Swetman from Escalera Pest Control. Her hustle and dedication to ensuring this night would be a success was more than one could hope for. Memories reflected, memories made, and most importantly funds were raised. The ultimate memorial. The bar was set just a tad bit higher. With conflicting events and memorial building not open, Fillmore’s finest still flocked to the opportunity to serve once again. All the sponsors were amazing and too countless to name in just one article. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts from your SERVICE club! Fillmore Women’s Service Club is an organization of women in service to the community of Fillmore. Profits from the evening will be used towards scholarships within the community. Follow us on social media for the latest Fillmore happenings.

Next showing is Magic Comedy and Song to be held May 18, 2024, from 7pm – 9pm. Visit www.Fillmoretowntheatre.org for more information.
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Written by Carina M. Montoya

The Fillmore Town Theatre held its Fillmore Funnies (Monthly Comedy Night) on Saturday, May 11. Before the show, an “unnamed” musical group featuring Greg Agostinelli, Michael Kirby, Danny Torres (Danny Torres and The Piru River Band), and Peter Copley, rocked the theater. It was a great opener before the show. The musical group on its own can easily fill the theater with its wide repertoire.

The featured comedians had the audience roaring in laughter. Carlos Oscar, is described as “a lean, clean joke machine”. His stories and facial expressions had the audience rolling on the floor laughing. Carlos has performed on The Tonight Show, Comedy Central, and is the only winner of The Princess Cruises Entertainer of the Year award.

Omar Covarrubias is a comedy magician and used audience participation that was fun, entertaining, and hilarious. Omar has been a comedy magician for 20 years and performs in comedy clubs, including the Ice House, Hollywood Laugh Factory, and the House of Blues.

Fillmore is proud to have its own theatre, but the life of the theatre depends on community support. Come and see the many different events held at the theatre. Your support will keep our theatre alive.

Pictured is Theresa Robledo with husband Henry Robledo and son Adrian Robledo.
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Article/Photo courtesy Brandy Hollis

This morning as I was at the gym and I looked over and saw another Fillmore staple hard at work, before she is hard at work--Theresa Robledo of Diamond Realty. So, I decided to bug her and ask if she is coming to the Fillmore Women’s Service Club (FWSC) event this weekend and it would be nice to see her there.

I have been blessed to sit at her table at the Boys and Girls Club Auction and witness her many donations for all the different organizations over the years that she so kindly serves.

I know she is always trying to do the right thing for our community. Her conviction to stand in our town as a solid member alongside her family speaks volumes of her character. Our sons both went into the Marine Corps, so there is another bond of one Marine mom to another. She is a strong woman of faith, and good soul to know.

When I was pregnant with my son Rowdy, she even dropped off a little something for the baby, when she came by to welcome my new neighbor with a gift. That is just the type of thoughtful person she is.
I couldn’t name all the organizations she aids if I tried, so I think I better not. Her grandchildren are the light of her eyes, and her family rises up and calls her blessed.

I was able to text my other FWSC members and let them know we had another Diamond Sponsor (for Casino Night) this morning, and our Diamond Sponsor’s wouldn’t have been complete without Diamond Realty.

I look forward to having fun with her and everyone else who is gracious enough to attend the Casino Night event this weekend. All proceeds from the event will be used in scholarship awards for graduates who reside in the district boundaries, regardless of school choice. Thank you, Theresa and Henry Robledo, for always being a source of inspiration!

By Linda Nunez

Civic Pride Volunteers have selected, Verna Tipton’s yard at 846 Wileman St., to receive the May “Yard of the Month” award. After I introduced myself, the first comment that Verna made was, “I wondered when we would get noticed!”
Verna gives all the credit for the beautiful yard to her son, Justin Tipton, who designed, organized, decorated & maintains the yard. And she showed me the backyard, which is just as beautifully landscaped!

The yard has a welcoming, flagstone path that leads to the door. It is bordered by Mexican sage & purple Lantana. Focal points on each side of the path are Variegated Century plant on one side & Blue Agave on the other, with Golden Charm Cypress behind the Agave. Lantana appears in groups of yellow, purple & white with geraniums in pink & orange contrasting with burgundy flax near a wooden well. Small Sespe Brownstone boulders, blue grey bunches of Fescue or Festuca, a rose & various succulents fill in spaces. Near the house are Ficus plants, deep purple Pelargoniums, Rock Rose & Azaleas in planters.

Verna said her parents, Mr. & Mrs. Rollo, purchased the home in 1964 & “raised 6 kids” there. After they passed, Verna purchased the home from her siblings & moved from Oxnard in 2009.

She has never been out to Otto & Sons Nursery, so she will be in for a lovely experience!
Civic Pride Volunteers appreciate Otto & Sons Nursery for supporting this program since it started, by providing the gift cards.

Pictured (l-r) are Fillmore Rotarian Martha Richardson (RYLA Coordinator), and rotary guest speakers Daniela Curiel, Aerin Garcia, Presley McLain and Diana Martinez.
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The Rotary Club of Fillmore sent four students to RYLA Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Camp, in Ojai, April 11-14. The students who attended were Daniela Curiel, Aerin Garcia, Presley McLain and Diana Martinez. There were 230 students in attendance, and they were divided into groups with all new people. The girls said it was intimidating at first, but by the end they had all new friends. They were put in many situations that forced them out of their comfort zone, such as the ropes course in the rain, but the result was more new friends and skills and ideas that they will take into the future. They also talked about the terrific speakers who totally changed their perspective on things and one who really opened their eyes to all the challenges people may be facing that you don’t even realize. They all agreed that RYLA camp changed their lives, and the experience will remain with them for the rest of their lives.

Pictured is the J. P. Hinckley House, c 1920, Ventura Street, built prior to World War 1, on the southeast corner of Ventura St. and Central Avenue. Photo credit Fillmore Historical Museum.
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Above is the Harry Gage Home, c 2018, which was located in Bardsdale and wasn’t too badly damaged after the St. Franics Dam disaster but was moved to a new location. More photos online at www.FillmoreGazette.com. Photo credit Fillmore Historical Museum.
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Pictured above is the Dr. Ira Hinckley House, 2021, moved from its original location at 423 1st Street to the Fillmore Historical Museum on Main Street. See more photos on page 9.
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Courtesy Fillmore Historical Museum

Fillmore has a number of mobile homes. We aren’t talking about the type found in El Dorado (although some may make this definition). We are talking about homes (and other buildings) which were built at one location but were moved in or around Fillmore.

We have told the story of Trinity Episcopal which was built as a private chapel for Mrs. Mary Bard in Hueneme but later moved to its present location at 2nd and Saratoga. It may not be the building which was moved the farthest distance. It is told (but we have not been able to independently verify) that the John McNab home at 411 1st Street was actually built on Catalina Island and later moved to its present location.

One of the earliest buildings moved was a small building originally built by Frank Sprague as a school house located near the mouth of the Sespe. In 1879 the little school was moved to the east bank of the Sespe just a little north of today’s railroad bridge where it served as both church and school. The old school building was moved once again in late 1888 from the east bank of the Sespe to a location two lots south of Sespe St. on the east side of Central Ave where it served the Fillmore School District as an office.

In 1890, Dr. John Hinckley bought the old school building that Sprague built and moved it across Central Ave. to a lot on the northwest corner of Sespe and Central. He remodeled it, added a room, and used it as his office and Fillmore’s first drug store. He later sold the building to Owen Miller who turned it into a restaurant.
Herky Villaseñor used the old school building briefly in the 1930s until he moved his tamale factory to Main and Clay St. In 1936, Mr. O.M Topley took over the restaurant intending to open a beer parlor but in May, 1936 the building was destroyed by fire.

Homes owned by the Hinckley family seem to move around, but only after the Hinckley’s had vacated them. Prior to World War 1, Dr. John P. Hinckley built a home on the southeast corner of Ventura St. and Central Avenue. November 7, 1947, saw this headline in the Fillmore Herald, “50 Ton Building Moved Through Center of City.” The two-story building was moved up Central Avenue to the end of Central Avenue where it now resides. The hardest part of the move was getting it safely over the railroad tracks. Another Hinckley “mobile home” is the 1905 bungalow once owned by Dr. Ira Hinckley that was moved in 1994 from its original location at 423 1st street to the Fillmore Historical Museum on Main Street.

Most of the early businesses were on Main Street. But frequent fires destroyed most of Main Street due to the combination of wood buildings, east wind and oil lamps. Central Avenue had been residential, but now became the main business area with masonry buildings. Central Avenue had several homes built on it, including one built in 1895 by Joseph and Mahala Stone where Central Market is now located. By 1910, Mr. Stone had passed away and Central had become the commercial center of town. Mrs. Stone decided to move, but take the house with her. It was moved to 561 Mountain View. Members of the Stone/Morey family lived there until Al Morey (Mahala’s grandson) died in the 1960s.

Shortly after the Southern Pacific built the Depot, they also built a “section house” which would house railroad workers and supplies. This house was moved, we believe to the eastern end of Main Street.

After the St. Francis Dam disaster several homes in Bardsdale such as the Gage House which weren’t badly damaged were moved to new locations which would be out of the way of the next flood.

There is a story we have heard but haven’t been able to document. This would have happened when people knew a flood was coming, such as 1914 or 1938. Supposedly a family was out of town. When neighbors realized their house was in the path of the flood, they moved it to higher ground. When the family returned they were quite surprised to find the house in new location. If anyone can prove this, please let us know.

The Fillmore Refinery had several homes within its boundaries. When the refinery was closed these homes were moved to 3rd Street or elsewhere in the city. If you happen to know where one ended up, again, please let us know.

Bardsdale UMC invites children K – 5TH Camp Firelight Vacation Bible Study (VBS) where they will be on a Summer Camp adventure with God! This includes exciting new music, amazing science, creative crafts, fun recreation, and memorable Bible stories that will show children they can trust God all the time!

The adventure runs from June 24 through June 28, 9:00 am to 12:00 noon at Bardsdale United Methodist Church, 1498 Bardsdale Ave. Learn more about Camp Firelight VBS by calling Cristina Ramos at (805) 524-2070.

Giant Yard Sale
Everything must go!
Furniture, tools, patio sets,
kayak and much, much more.
Super sale: shopping plastic bags of clothing for $5.00 fill them up.
419 2nd St, Fillmore @8:30am till noon
Only Friday, May 3rd and May 10th. (5/9)

Moving Sale
Swamp Cooler/Evaporative Cooler.
1 year old, Paid $1,400. Selling for $800.
Call 805-524-2830. (5/9)

Giant Yard Sale
Everything must go!
Furniture, tools, patio sets,
kayak and much, much more.
Super sale: shopping plastic bags of clothing for $5.00 fill them up.
419 2nd St, Fillmore @8:30am till noon
Only Friday, May 3rd and May 10th. (5/9)

Moving Sale
Swamp Cooler/Evaporative Cooler.
1 year old, Paid $1,400. Selling for $800.
Call 805-524-2830. (5/9)

Ventura County Supervisor Kelly Long was the Fillmore Rotary speaker last week. She gave an overview of the county, which contains 850,000 people. We have diversified employment with Agriculture and the Navy base being the largest ones. We have transportation, Metrolink and buses to help citizens to get where they need to go. We have two hospitals, as well as mental health and wellness facilities. The goal is to make sure everyone has access to what is needed. Kelly is on many boards in the county, helping to keep her informed on what is happening in all areas and how they can work together.

The Fillmore Fire Department in conjunction with the Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council has received a grant to dispose of flammable vegetation in residential neighborhoods that are adjacent to wildland areas. This grant is being applied to all residents who reside in Fillmore. All residents who live within three hundred yards of a wildland area are especially encouraged to take advantage of this free opportunity.

On Saturday May 11th, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, all residents in the City may haul any tree/brush trimmings direct to the Fillmore City Well #4 location at 728 Goodenough Rd. for free disposal. Any ornamental vegetation and cut grass/weeds will also be accepted if it is free of any dirt, metal, plastic, or other trash.

Residents are especially encouraged to have professional tree trimmers, trim up palm trees, of all dead palm fronds as these can be especially hazardous when caught on fire. All palm fronds will accepted.

Any questions may be directed to the Fillmore Fire Chief at 524-1500 xt 226.

The Award’s Night for the Fillmore Young Writers Contest has been moved from May 2nd to May 9th. They will be honoring 63 students that night in recognition of their stories, poems, and artwork which will be submitted for the contest.

Bardsdale UMC invites children K – 5TH Camp Firelight Vacation Bible Study (VBS) where they will be on a Summer Camp adventure with God! This includes exciting new music, amazing science, creative crafts, fun recreation, and memorable Bible stories that will show children they can trust God all the time!

The adventure runs from June 24 through June 28, 9:00 am to 12:00 noon at Bardsdale United Methodist Church, 1498 Bardsdale Ave. Learn more about Camp Firelight VBS by calling Cristina Ramos at (805) 524-2070.

(Ventura County, CA) – The eighth annual Take 5 and Read to Kids! campaign will kick-off May 3rd at preschools and various locations throughout Ventura County. More than 50 local celebrity readers will be reading to young children. First 5 Ventura County hosts the free community events to help raise awareness about the importance of early childhood literacy for the more than 55,000 children in Ventura County who are age 5 years and younger. For more information, visit www.first5ventura.org/talk-read-sing/

This year’s impressive lineup of readers includes Congresswoman Julia Brownley, Assemblymembers Steve Bennett and Jacqui Irwin, Supervisors Jeff Gorell, Matt LaVere, Kelly Long, and Janice Parvin, County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson, Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff, Ventura County Fire Chief Dustin Gardner, and many more.

Members of the public with children age 5 and younger are invited to attend Take 5 and Read to Kids! storytimes with a celebrity reader at select First 5 Ventura County Neighborhoods for Learning (NfL) sites as well as local libraries during their regularly scheduled storytimes:

Fillmore Library on Wednesday, May 8th at 10:30 a.m.
First 5 Ventura County encourages parents, caregivers, and community members to become champions of early literacy by taking at least five minutes each day to read with a young child. “Talking throughout the day with your young child, reading together, telling stories, and singing all help develop pathways in the brain that will later be used to recognize letters, read, and think critically,” Supervisor and First 5 Commissioner Matt LaVere added.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko reads to children at Take 5 and Read to Kids! in 2023.

“We know that the first five years of life lay the foundation for success in school and life. For young children, early exposure to books is beneficial for long-term academic achievements,” said Health Care Agency Director and First 5 Commission Chair Barry Zimmerman. Studies have proven that when you talk, read, and sing to children starting at birth, you promote and support early language and literacy development.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko reads to children at Take 5 and Read to Kids! in 2023.

About First 5 Ventura County, www.first5ventura.org
Brain research shows that the prenatal period and first five years of a child’s life are critical for developing lifelong social, emotional and learning skills. Based on this research, California voters passed Proposition 10 (a tobacco tax) in 1998 which established First 5 county commissions throughout the state to improve health and education programs for children prenatal to 5 years.

For more than 25 years, First 5 Ventura County’s investment, expertise and leadership have made a significant, positive impact on early childhood in our community. F5VC’s early education and childhood development programs – Neighborhoods for Learning and Help Me Grow – strengthen families and help ensure Ventura County’s 55,000 children age 5 and younger reach their full potential.

From: Lysa Urban
Sent: Tuesday, April 16, 2024 12:00 PM
Subject: First 5 Ventura County media release 4.16.2024; Families Invited to Take 5 and Read to Kids! Campaign Kick-off May 3rd

A close-up of a number

Description automatically generated

For Immediate Release
Date: April 16, 2024
Contact: Lysa Urban, First 5 Ventura County
Phone: 805-648-9990
Email: Lurban@first5ventura.org
Photo opportunities available

Families Invited to Take 5 and Read to Kids! Campaign Kick-off May 3rd
First 5 Ventura County to Host Free Events Countywide with Local Celebrity Readers

(Ventura County, CA) – The eighth annual Take 5 and Read to Kids! campaign will kick-off May 3rd at preschools and various locations throughout Ventura County. More than 50 local celebrity readers will be reading to young children. First 5 Ventura County hosts the free community events to help raise awareness about the importance of early childhood literacy for the more than 55,000 children in Ventura County who are age 5 years and younger. For more information, visit www.first5ventura.org/talk-read-sing/

This year’s impressive lineup of readers includes Congresswoman Julia Brownley, Assemblymembers Steve Bennett and Jacqui Irwin, Supervisors Jeff Gorell, Matt LaVere, Kelly Long, and Janice Parvin, County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson, Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff, Ventura County Fire Chief Dustin Gardner, and many more.

Members of the public with children age 5 and younger are invited to attend Take 5 and Read to Kids! storytimes with a celebrity reader at select First 5 Ventura County Neighborhoods for Learning (NfL) sites as well as local libraries during their regularly scheduled storytimes:

Rio Plaza Elementary (NfL classroom), 3300 Cortez St., Oxnard, May 3rd at 9:30 a.m.
Ruben Castro Center (NfL classroom), 612 B. Spring St. Suite 401, Moorpark, May 3rd at 9:30 a.m.
Sheridan Way Elementary (NfL classroom), 573 Sheridan Way, Ventura, May 3rd at 9:30 a.m.
E.P. Foster Library on Monday, May 6th at 10:30 a.m.
Fillmore Library on Wednesday, May 8th at 10:30 a.m.
Hill Road Library on Wednesday, May 8th at 10:30 a.m.
Ojai Library on Wednesday, May 8th at 10:30 a.m.
First 5 Ventura County encourages parents, caregivers, and community members to become champions of early literacy by taking at least five minutes each day to read with a young child. “Talking throughout the day with your young child, reading together, telling stories, and singing all help develop pathways in the brain that will later be used to recognize letters, read, and think critically,” Supervisor and First 5 Commissioner Matt LaVere added.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko reads to children at Take 5 and Read to Kids! in 2023.

“We know that the first five years of life lay the foundation for success in school and life. For young children, early exposure to books is beneficial for long-term academic achievements,” said Health Care Agency Director and First 5 Commission Chair Barry Zimmerman. Studies have proven that when you talk, read, and sing to children starting at birth, you promote and support early language and literacy development.

Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko reads to children at Take 5 and Read to Kids! in 2023.

About First 5 Ventura County, www.first5ventura.org
Brain research shows that the prenatal period and first five years of a child’s life are critical for developing lifelong social, emotional and learning skills. Based on this research, California voters passed Proposition 10 (a tobacco tax) in 1998 which established First 5 county commissions throughout the state to improve health and education programs for children prenatal to 5 years.

For more than 25 years, First 5 Ventura County’s investment, expertise and leadership have made a significant, positive impact on early childhood in our community. F5VC’s early education and childhood development programs – Neighborhoods for Learning and Help Me Grow – strengthen families and help ensure Ventura County’s 55,000 children age 5 and younger reach their full potential.